iPads for patients
On November 22, 2020 my Mom passed away from COVID. Her name was Julie Books; She was 68 years old, she was healthy, and an amazing person who loved her family, and we loved her.
When she was in the hospital, we struggled to communicate with her. We were not allowed to visit due to COVID restrictions which meant she was alone. The only people she saw were strangers wearing spacesuits, masks, shields, and gloves. When your loved ones are sick, the families job is to watch TV with them, talk to them, hold their hand, and tell them everything is going to be Ok. I believe patients need their family to get stronger and an iPad can provide emotional support while patients focus on healing.
Please help me make sure that sure anyone who is sick, especially during the holidays can communicate with their family and friends. You can help by donating donating an iPad to your local hospital, or contributing to our fund. Our fund will be used to donate iPads to a local hospitals with a note that says: "Give this to a patient. Allow them to use it to connect with their family and friends." - Love Julie"
Thank you for your support. If your families get sick, remember to send them with a tablet and charger. Don't let them be alone.
My Mom's COVID battle:
- Tested Positive for COVID on 10/28/20
- Checked into hospital on 11/1/20
- Place on high flow Oxygen, and given antiviral meds, Antibodies, and steroids on 11/1
- Placed on ventilator on 11/5
- Moved to prone position on 11/12
- Candidate for ECMO on 11/15
- Denied transfer for ECMO on 11/16
- Finally allowed family into her room on 11/20
- On 11/22 we held Moms hands and said goodbye :(
During the first few days, we were able to talk and text using her phone. Once she was put on a ventilator, we lost communication with her. The hospitals had iPads but they are limited and not usually in the ICU. My Mom required a nurse to assist and we was only able to "talk" to her 2 times and we had to fight to visit her. We're lucky we got to see her and be with her as she passed, many families do not get the chance to say Goodbye.